War Films : What War films have you seen? Jan/Feb/Mar/Apr - 2016 Edition.

What War films have you seen? Jan/Feb/Mar/Apr - 2016 Edition.

Greetings Warmongers and Warriors of the celluloid loving form.

War films are a genre of film, an important one in fact. It has many splinters, from historical swords and sandals battles - to the World Wars and up to the present day horrors still being fought in far off lands that are alien to most of us. It's a genre of film that can excite and horrify in equal measure.

The War Films board has a slow turnover of users, and it deserves better. I personally have hosted similar threads on all the main film boards over the years, even breathing life into some boards that were close to extinction! Sooo, this thread runs for 4 months at a time and the format is simple, it's designed for fans of War Films to post reviews, comments, questions, and just general fawnings of a genre of film making that we love. All posts will be read and respected here, dip in and out when you please or post every day, the important thing is that we learn and share about the multitude of great War Films out there. And of course get warned about the stinkers as well.

The Spikeopath - Hospital Number 217

War TV : THE SILENT SERVICE "The Jack at Tokyo" 1957

CONTAINS SPOILERS

THE SILENT SERVICE "The Jack at Tokyo" 1957

This is the first episode of the U.S. war series, "The Silent Service". The series was about the exploits of the U.S. Navy's submarine fleet. Each episode is a stand-alone tale of the actions of a particular submarine. Most of the stories are about actions against the Japanese Navy and merchant fleet in the Pacific. There is also the odd tale from the Korean conflict. The series ran for 78 episodes during 1957 and 1958. The stories were all based on actual events. Some pretty good attention to detail here with the U.S Navy allowing filming on several WW 2 era Gato class subs.

Each episode started and ended with retired Real Admiral Thomas M. Dykers giving a breakdown of the action. Dykers became a writer, producer and technical adviser after leaving the service. He worked on films such as, TORPEDO ALLEY, FLAT TOP, THE FROGMEN, HELL AND HIGH WATER and SUBMARINE COMMAND.

This episode is about the "U.S.S. Jack". The "Jack" is damaged by a Japanese aircraft after the submarine made a successful attack on a Japanese convoy. The problem for the sub and crew is, that if they surface to repair the damage, they will be seen by the mad as hell Japanese convoy escorts.

Being under a series of depth charge attacks does not help matters. The chief engineer, Douglas Henderson, discovers that the damage is in a main flooding tank pipe. The pipe is just big enough for the smallish Henderson to squeeze into. He works his way up the pipe and finds the hole. He barely manages to make his way back without getting stuck. That night, the submarine surfaces and repairs the damage. And just in time too, as another Japanese convoy is coming over the horizon.

The "Jack" attacks and manages to sink four enemy tankers. It is then back to Pearl Harbor for supplies and more repairs.

The rest of the cast includes Myron Healey, Don Durant, Steve Mitchell and Brad Trumbull. The "Jack" was under the command of the series creator and producer, Thomas M. Dykers.

The episode was directed by long time low budget b-film man, Stuart E McGowan. The man worked in film and television as a director, producer and writer from 1930 till 1978.

The "Jack" had a successful war and ended up sinking 76,687 tons of Japanese shipping.

Re: War TV : THE SILENT SERVICE "The Jack at Tokyo" 1957

The Silent Service (1957) - The Jack at Tokyo (1957)

Good stuff, great stat as well mate

The Spikeopath - Hospital Number 217

War Tv: NAVY LOG : "The Death of Dillinger San" 1956

CONTAINS SPOILERS

NAVY LOG : "The Death of Dillinger San" 1956

NAVY LOG was a series that ran from 1956 to 1958. It was an anthology series based on real stories and exploits of the U.S. Navy during WW2, The Korean War and the then current, Cold War. The series ran for a total of 102 episodes. The series features plenty of just unclassified footage of various naval actions etc. The Navy was more than happy to help with tech and film footage.

This particular episode is the first of the second season productions. The U.S. Navy has intercepted top secret radio messages from the Japanese High Command to their base at Rabaul on New Britain Island. It seems that the top Admiral in the Japanese Navy, Yamamoto, is doing an inspection of various bases in the Solomon Islands. The U.S. Admiral in charge, Nimitz, strongly suggests that they should ambush the man.

The problem for the Navy is that they have no carriers in the area. But the Army has long range P-38 Lightning fighters based at Guadalcanal. The Army is ordered to cooperate with the Navy and set up the ambush.

The trick here is timing, the Army fighters will be flying at the extreme end of their range. They will only have a limited loiter time in the kill area. They do have Yamamoto's arrival time at a local Japanese base.

The timing is perfect and the ambush comes off with minimal U.S. losses. Yamamoto's transport and several of the escorting Zeros are flamed.

The cast is made up of, Selmer Jackson, Jack Jordon, Robert Knapp, Robert Carson and in an early role, Stuart Whitman.

Not bad for a low budget production. Military history buffs will enjoy the all the assorted combat footage used to pad out the runtime. The title, Dillinger San refers to the code name for Admiral Yamamoto.

Re: War Tv: NAVY LOG : "The Death of Dillinger San" 1956

Navy Log (1955) - The Death of Dillinger-San (1956)

Have we had one from this series before? 4 seasons so it must have been popular enough.

The Spikeopath - Hospital Number 217

Re: War Tv: NAVY LOG : "The Death of Dillinger San" 1956

First one that I watched.

Back to Bataan (1945)

Back to Bataan (1945)


I send out 100 men, they find nothing. I send out ten men, they don't come back.

Is it churlish to complain about overt flag waving in war movies? Or to decry propaganda prose in the same? Back to Bataan is guilty as charged, yet such is the composition of Edward Dmytryk's film, and its focus on a part of the war we rarely have seen on film, it matters not.

We are in 1942, and after the fall of the Philippines to the Japanese, U.S. Army Col. Joseph Madden (John Wayne) stays behind to lead the local guerrilla resistance against the Japanese army. With that synopsis it isn't hard to figure out what sort of pic we are going to get, yet to purely consider this as a macho beefcake movie is a little unfair.

Sure it's bookended by blistering action, as Duke Wayne (very restrained turn actually) and Anthony Quinn cut a swathe through the RKO sound stages, but there's lots of intelligent human interactions here to mark it as being in the least knowing of the campaign.

It often grasps for the sentimental branch, while the racist barbs and portrayal of the Japanese does sting at times. But this is exciting and thoughtful stuff, boosted no end by Dmytryk's sturdy direction and Nicholas Musuraca's monochrome photography (a film noir lovers dream pairing!). Better than routine war movie. 7/10


The Spikeopath - Hospital Number 217

Re: Back to Bataan (1945)

Have not seen this one in quite a few years but recall liking it. Time to add it to the rewatch list. Tick applied.

War Tv "The Trout at Rainbow's End" 1957

CONTAINS SPOILERS

THE SILENT SERVICE "The Trout at Rainbow's End" 1957

This is the second episode of the U.S. war series, "The Silent Service". The series was about the exploits of the U.S. Navy's submarine fleet. Each episode is a stand-alone tale of the actions of a particular submarine. Most of the stories are about actions against the Japanese Navy and merchant fleet in the Pacific. There is also the odd tale from the Korean conflict. The series ran for 78 episodes during 1957 and 1958. The stories were all based on actual events. Some pretty good attention to detail here with the U.S Navy allowing filming on several WW 2 era Gato class subs.

Each episode started and ended with retired Real Admiral Thomas M. Dykers giving a breakdown of the action. Dykers became a writer, producer and technical adviser after leaving the service. He worked on films such as, TORPEDO ALLEY, FLAT TOP, THE FROGMEN, HELL AND HIGH WATER and SUBMARINE COMMAND.

This episode is about the "Trout". It is January 1942 and the "Trout" is loaded with as much ammunition as can be crammed into her. Extra torpedoes and the lead ballast are landed to make extra room for munitions. The "Trout" has been assigned to transport the ammo to Corregidor in the Philippines.

They make record time from Pearl Harbor to the fortress. Now they need to sneak in at night through the minefields. The problem here is that the chart they have is 6 months out of date. They manage to make it to the dock after several close calls with drifting mines. They unload the ammo to a grateful garrison. They also pass out most of their food supply to the Army troops.

Now that the submarine has been off loaded, they are too light to dive. They had landed their lead ballast in Pearl to ship more ammo. They end up loading the "Trout" with over 20 tons of gold and silver from various Philippine banks. After a day spent sitting on the bottom to avoid Japanese air attack, they set sail for Pearl Harbor. They made a small detour in order to sink a Japanese ship. The submarine makes it home and off loads the gold and silver.

The "Trout" would make 11 war patrols between 1941 and 1944, sinking 12 enemy ships totalling 37,000 tons. In Feb 1944 the "Trout" failed to return from her 11th patrol and was listed as lost with all hands.

The cast includes, Robert Karnes, Dennis McCarthy, Joseph Sargent and Roy Engel. Of note here is Joseph Sargent, the actor would switch to directing and worked in both television and film. His film work included, COLOSSUS: THE FORBIN PROJECT, THE MAN, WHITE LIGHTNING, MacARTHUR and THE TAKING OF PELHAM ONE TWO THREE.

Re: War Tv "The Trout at Rainbow's End" 1957

The Silent Service (1957) - The Trout at the Rainbow's End (1957)

Sad end for The trout

Gord

The Spikeopath - Hospital Number 217

War Tv: NAVY LOG : "The Bomb" 1956

CONTAINS SPOILERS

NAVY LOG : "The Bomb" 1956

NAVY LOG was a series that ran from 1956 to 1958. It was an anthology series based on real stories and exploits of the U.S. Navy during WW2, The Korean War and the then current, Cold War. The series ran for a total of 102 episodes. The series features plenty of just unclassified footage of various naval actions etc. The Navy was more than happy to help with tech and film footage.

This particular episode is the 16th of season one.

The episode takes place on a Navy base on the Island of Guam. World War Two has been over for a decade. Two small boys whose father works at a nearby Navy Base find a 500 lb bomb. The two lads dig most of the bomb out and use it in their games. Their dad, Wally Cassell, hears about the find and damn near keels over. His boys lead him to the bomb hidden in some underbrush.

Cassell, who happens to be a bomb disposal expert, chases everyone off while he contacts the officer commanding the base. The officer, Willis Bouchey, gets on the horn to the Pentagon about the find. They quickly send another Navy bomb disposal expert out to take command. The man, Howard Price, has been at it for 13 years.

The bomb turns out to be a Japanese 500 lb bomb left over from 1942. The two, Price and Cassell have no idea if it is a dud, or if it is still live. The nearby living quarters and all personal are moved to the opposite side of the base.

The two men go to work taking the fuse and trigger assembly apart. They need to be very careful since the bomb could have multiple triggers and arming devices. Adding to the tension is that Cassell's two lads are missing. The two are watching their father dismantle said bomb from some nearby brush.

The Navy men, after a couple of close calls, manage to disarm the bomb and remove the fuse. Cassell is less than amused when his sons now pop up from under the brush.

This is a good looking, and very entertaining bit of television in my opinion. The director is big screen veteran, Reginald Le Borg. His film work includes, CALLING DR DEATH, THE MUMMY'S GHOST and FALL GUY. The director of photography was another big screen vet, Lester White. White handled the cinematography of films such as, INVISIBLE AGENT, SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE SECRET WEAPON, THE FULLER BRUSH MAN, THE 49th MAN and THE STRANGER WORE A GUN.

Re: War Tv: NAVY LOG : "The Bomb" 1956

Navy Log (1955) - The Bomb (1956)

Reads as a good 'un mate Two Morrow brothers that I had never heard of before!

The Spikeopath - Hospital Number 217

Battle of Midway (1976)

Midway (1976)


They sacrifice themselves like samurai, these Americans.

A critical part of WWII gets the big epic cinematic treatment, with all star casting and lots of noise. Though purporting to be exactly how things were during this particular battle, a pinch of salt is also needed. Much of the film is taken up with laying foundations for the air-sea engagement of the title, political posturing and military machinations are joined by needless sub-plots. The dialogue is often cheese laden, some characterisations equally so, while the splicing of real life footage and other war movie moments start to detract. However, the last third of film is thrilling and worth waiting for, a whirl of battle action as the Pacific conflict comes vividly to life both visually and aurally. 6.5/10


The Spikeopath - Hospital Number 217

Re: Battle of Midway (1976)

Spike

Even though this one has been shown on TV many, many times, I still have not seen it. I guess I should give it a whirl next time it pops up on the boob tube. Tick given.

Re: Battle of Midway (1976)

Well I'm surprised to read that. Would be interesting to read your take on it.

The Spikeopath - Hospital Number 217

War TV: THE SILENT SERVICE "The End of the Line" 1957

CONTAINS SPOILERS

THE SILENT SERVICE "The End of the Line" 1957

This is the third episode of the U.S. war series, "The Silent Service". The series was about the exploits of the U.S. Navy's submarine fleet. Each episode is a stand-alone tale of the actions of a particular submarine. Most of the stories are about actions against the Japanese Navy and merchant fleet in the Pacific. There is also the odd tale from the Korean conflict. The series ran for 78 episodes during 1957 and 1958. The stories were all based on actual events. Some pretty good attention to detail here with the U.S Navy allowing filming on several WW 2 era Gato class subs.

Each episode started and ended with retired Real Admiral Thomas M. Dykers giving a breakdown of the action. Dykers became a writer, producer and technical adviser after leaving the service. He worked on films such as, TORPEDO ALLEY, FLAT TOP, THE FROGMEN, HELL AND HIGH WATER and SUBMARINE COMMAND.

This episode is about the "Thresher". It is March 1942 and the "Thresher" is patrolling off of Kwajalein Island. It is night, and the submarine is running on the surface to recharge her batteries. Out of the darkness comes a Japanese patrol ship heading straight for the "Thresher. At the last minute, the destroyer turns and runs beside the submarine.

There is less than 50 yards space between the two ships. The submarine crash dives while the destroyer swings out her main guns. The submarine is a split second quicker off the mark, and is under the water before the Japanese fire. The destroyer gives the "Thresher" a good plastering with about 30 depth charges. The sub manages a getaway and goes to deep water.

The next night the sub returns to patrol off Kwajalein. They attack a small Japanese cargo ship that has just left said island. They sink same, but are soon under attack by the same escort they had the run in with the night before. After a round of depth charges the destroyer tries a new tactic.

The Japanese ship goes in for a spot of fishing. The destroyer drags a big grappling hook across the area. They are lucky enough to catch onto the deck gun of the "Thresher". They are soon pulling the submarine in like a hooked game fish. The "Thresher" twists and turns trying to throw the hook. The captain, Gene Reynolds, orders all the code books destroyed. He intends to fight it out on the surface as they are reeled in.

Just before breaking surface, the submarine manages to the throw the hook. Down to 300 feet and out of the area they go at the fastest speed they can manage.

The "Thresher" did a total of 13 war time patrols and sunk over a dozen enemy ships. The ship was decommissioned in 1946 and scrapped the next year.

Re: War TV: THE SILENT SERVICE "The End of the Line" 1957

The Silent Service (1957) - The End of the Line (1957)

Pigboat! As usual mate great info and story telling.

The Spikeopath - Hospital Number 217

Re: What War films have you seen? Jan/Feb/Mar/Apr - 2016 Edition.

Have been on quite the war film kick of late:

Dive Bomber (1941): A mixed bag of a film. Errol Flynn, Fred MacMurray and Ralph Bellamy are all in great form and keep the viewer engaged whenever they're on screen. But it just so happens that the film is peppered with extraneous detail that often brings it to a halt and drags it down: Alexis Smith is beautiful to look at, but her character is so paper thin and reductive and her would-be romantic dalliance with Flynn ends up going nowhere. Which brings me to the infuriating question: Why are the women characters here portrayed as hindrances to the war effort? It's quite insulting. Would have been so much more refreshing if Smith was shone to be contributing. She could have portrayed a nurse, a surgical assistant, a reporter or a fund raiser. Anything but the sullen, lovelorn character assigned to her. And don't get me started on 'Lucky' and Mrs. James. I'm not adverse to comedic relief in serious films, but that whole 'Isolation Ward' shtick was tedious.

Gunga Din (1939): I assume this counts. In our post-colonial revisionist world this one is a tad dated. The usual West comes in to save the East tale. But I can still enjoy it for the rousing, rollicking fun that it is. It finely balances comedy, action and suspense. A lot of that comes down to George Stevens' great directorial hand.

Sahara (1943): What a gem of a film. Definitely one of the best films that were made while WW2 was still being fought. Bogart leads a fine cast, although I'm not sure why J. Carrol Naish was the one singled out for an Oscar nomination. His initial impression as Giuseppe is quite affecting and poignant as he tries to justify why he shouldn't remain stranded. But after that he leaves less and less of a dent. Otherwise the film is equally great in its quietly arresting moments and in its suspenseful, adrenalin-packed ones. Must-see viewing.

The Bridges at Toko-Ri (1954): Quite an affecting film. Beautifully rendered in technicolor. Holden and March are both great. Kelly is adequate within her small window of screentime. In contrast, Rooney lays it on a little thick. I commend Holden for insisting that the film end as it did with his character's demise. It gives it that powerful, poignant punch that other war films often lack. In real life the hero doesn't always live and his death is not necessarily a glorious moment.

Objective, Burma! (1945): This film's reputation went through the ringer because of its historical inaccuracy. It personally doesn't bother me because I don't watch films for historical lessons anyway. At best a film might encourage me to find out more about particular combative operations and campaigns to get the facts straight. But first and foremost I look to films as a source of departure into an alternate environment for a couple of hours. This film in question is quite well made. Then again, Raoul Walsh directed it so I'm none too surprised. It has a great Errol Flynn performance at its centre. Whoever has the impression that Flynn can only portray cheeky larrikin types needs to check into his war films. He displays a stoicism that really grounds this film and makes you believe in his leadership.

Re: What War films have you seen? Jan/Feb/Mar/Apr - 2016 Edition.

I agree with your take on all your titles. Though I must admit it was in the 80's the last time I saw DIVE BOMBER. On the list for a re-watch. Sahara is one of my favs and Gunga Din is always a hoot to watch. The Bridges at Toko-Ri is a rather under-rated war film that seldom pops up when War films are discussed. Nice picks.

Burma and Bomber - Din - Ri and Sahara

What a great bunch of films to watch. thanks for the post, hope to see you post again.

Objective, Burma!


Come on, I'd follow that man down the barrel of a cannon.

Errol Flynn stars as Major Nelson, who along with 50 other commandos parachute into Burma to destroy a Japanese radar station. The mission is a success but while waiting to be air lifted to safety they come under attack from the Japanese and are forced to trek thru the jungle, simultaneously fighting the terrain just as much as the enemy.

There were two magnificently directed war films made in 1945, one was John Ford's supreme John Wayne vehicle, They Were Expendable, the other is this much unheralded Raoul Walsh classic. High on military detail and paced with the ultimate precision, Objective, Burma! is as tense as it most assuredly is thrilling. It also finds Errol Flynn turning in what is arguably his finest acting performance. Casting off his rapscallion prankster like persona, he delivers a straight and raw emotive performance that proves beyond doubt he was an actor of note. Short on flag waving sloganeering, courtesy of the source story from Alvah Bessie, Objective, Burma! holds its head high in the technical departments as well. Franz Waxman's brilliant score is tense and unnerving and it mixes seamlessly with the sound departments excellent work done with the noises of the jungle. It's now very much a relief to be able hear this picture thru the benefits of home cinema systems. James Wong Howe's photography is suitably bringing the jungle to life, which considering the film was shot mostly at the L.A. Arboretum & Botanical Gardens is quite some achievement.

On its release in the U.S. the film was a critical and box office success, my fellow countrymen here in Britain however, were not so impressed. Angry about the lack of credit given to the British in the Burmese operation, the film was subsequently banned in the UK until 1952. Then, with common sense prevailing, new prints were issued with a prologue giving credit to the other armed forces involved in the campaign. Which all in all ends things on a rather tidy note I feel. It's a magnificent picture that never loses sight of its core story, it's widely available now on various formats so really you have no excuse not to see it. 9/10


Gunga Din


Thugs, Toad Face and MacCheesecake.

Gunga Din is produced and directed by George Stevens and co-adapted to screenplay by Ben Hecht, Charles MacArthur, Joel Sayre and Fred Guiol. It's loosely inspired by the Rudyard Kipling poem of the same name. It stars Cary Grant, Victor McLaglen, Douglas Fairbanks Junior, Eduardo Ciannelli, Sam Jaffe and Joan Fontaine. Music is by Alfred Newman and cinematography by Joseph H. August.

1939 was a golden year for cinema, a raft of classic movies were produced, many of which still hold up today. Unfairly suffering under scrutiny for its colonialist attitudes and embracement of war is Gunga Din, RKO Pictures' magnificent action adventure. Political Correctness in this day and age has led some to be sniffy towards Stevens' movie, it seems that to understand the period from when the film was made is a stretch too far. Balderdash say I. Really in this instance no charges should stand or be considered for this is a movie that should be heralded and treasured for the template it is. This was after all an anti-dote to the Great Depression that was drawing to a close, and with WWII kicking off, the likes of Gunga Din were medicine for the wounded millions.

For the love of Kali: Kill, Kill, Kill.

Undeniably it's preposterous and over the top, that's kind of the point really. It's a live action cartoon for the adults to enjoy whilst the kiddies get swept up in the gusto of it all. You don't have to condone anything by feeling uplifted as Gunga Din plays on themes such as loyalty, bravado and friendship, to go in deep with a good ole battle of good against evil, where fists fly and gunshots fill the air. Where hundreds of horses hooves pace in time with your heart. It's a spiffying adventure yarn deftly constructed by Stevens and his team. There's much light hearted interplay between our three stoic heroes, and the fist fight scenes have a charming silent movie feel to them, further enhancing the joviality that pulses throughout. And yes, there is sentiment, even a bit of cornball thrown in for good measure, but it lands in the cinema lover's heart and helps it beat happily.

You Lazarushian-leather Gunga Din!

Cast are having a great time, especially Grant who revels in playing knuckles and delivering songs about British Roast Beef! Newman's score is a neat blend of heroic bluster and exotic reflections, and the California locations, notably Alabama Pine, are expertly used by Stevens and August, the latter of which was nominated for an Academy Award for his efforts. Production design is eye catching, with the Indian temples standing out, while the final battle showcases Stevens' strengths in composition and action construction. Its influence should not be understated either, you can trace a line from this to Indiana Jones, and even beyond to the big box office coffer fillers like National Treasure and The Mummy et al. Gunga Din, an ode to good time cinema from a golden age, bravo! 9/10


Sahara


Lulubelle and the water for arms proposition!

Just after the fall of Tobruk, tank commander Sgt. Joe Gunn and his crew slowly make their way thru the desert. As they move on they pick up a number of passengers, some British soldiers, a Sudanese corporal with an Italian prisoner, a Frenchman, a South African and a grounded Nazi Fighter Pilot. As this unlikely mixture of a unit moves on it becomes paramount that they find water, however, there is a fully armed German unit in the area and they also are in desperate need of water.

A great cast boasting Humphrey Bogart, Bruce Bennett, J. Carrol Naish, Lloyd Bridges, Rex Ingram and Dan Duryea, are expertly directed by Zoltan Korda while the wonderful cinematography from Rudolph Mate helps to seal the deal for this being a technical pleasure. Yet as good as the technical aspects are, this really has a firm emphasis on story. Written by John Howard Lawson (who would become one of the Hollywood Ten), it's chief triumph is with the humane approach, there's no fancy dan cloaking to smoother the picture, this is the perfect movie for those seeking a change from gun blasting bravado war films.

Easy on the eyes and ears, Sahara is a very enjoyable film experience that I recommend to lovers of finely crafted golden oldies. 7/10


The Bridges at Toko-Ri


The Chosen Few. Task Force 77.

The Bridges at Toko-Ri is directed by Mark Robson and adapted to screenplay by Valentine Davies from the novel written by James A. Michener. It stars William Holden, Earl Holliman, Grace Kelly, Mickey Rooney, Fredric March, Robert Strauss and Charles McGraw. Music is by Lyn Murray and cinematography by Lloyd Griggs.

A good strong and solid Koran War movie that finds Holden as a wise old pilot taking on a mission to blow up the bridges of the title deep in enemy territory. Focusing more on character drama than action, a good portion of the film concerns itself with Holden's Lt. Harry Brubaker and his relationship with his wife, Nancy (Kelly), and two of his charges, Mike Forney (Rooney) and Nestor Gamidge (Holliman).

The big budget and the big cast ensure it's an ever watchable production, with the futility of war message not over done, no need for excessive blood and violence here and the aerial special effects are most impressive. The final mission is superbly constructed by Robson and his team, and most likely on reflection can be viewed as influential on a certain future blockbuster movie.

Uplifting and startlingly moving into the bargain, this is very much a case of the big questions, Why me? Why are we here anyway?, being pertinent and portrayed with grace and splendour. 7/10


I haven't seen Dive Bomber, but I do own it as part of an Errol box set.

The Spikeopath - Hospital Number 217

Re: Burma and Bomber - Din - Ri and Sahara

Thank you for sharing your great reviews. Agree with all. Objective Burma especially deserves to have a better reputation.

I'll be curious to read your thoughts on Dive Bomber when you visit it. It's certainly an interesting change of pace to the more typical, combat-driven WW2 films, as it's moreso a war preparation film than anything else. It can be a bit sluggish in its pacing at times, but I think Flynn (just about as committed here as he was in Objective Burma), MacMurray and Bellamy all make it worthwhile.

FOR THOSE WE LOVE 2007: Death Ride in the Pacific

CONTAINS SPOILERS

FOR THOSE WE LOVE – 2007

This World War Two film is about the young Japanese Army Air force pilots based at a single airbase during the last months of the war. The barely out of training young men are told that the only way to save their country, is with kamikaze attacks on the US fleet.

The story is related by the owner of a local diner where the pilots gather off duty. The woman sees all the new faces and just as quickly they vanish into the fog of war.

We see just how the pilots react to their instructions. Some are quite willing to die for their country while others are not. They however still go, as it is all a matter of honour.

For a war film, there is only about 10 minutes of actual action. And what action it is. The young pilots fly their obsolete Ki-43 fighters into waves of American fighters and a sky full of anti-aircraft fire. The few that make through to the US fleet then have to do a death dive into the enemy ships.

Even though the film is a bit light action wise, it does hold the viewer's attention. It is always interesting to see the Pacific conflict through the eyes of the other side.

Re: FOR THOSE WE LOVE 2007: Death Ride in the Pacific

Ore wa, kimi no tame ni koso shini ni iku (2007)

The other side of the coin. GG

The Spikeopath - Hospital Number 217

War Tv THE SILENT SERVICE "The U.S.S. Sculpin Story" 1957

CONTAINS SPOILERS

THE SILENT SERVICE "The U.S.S. Sculpin Story" 1957

This is the fourth episode of the U.S. war series, "The Silent Service". The series was about the exploits of the U.S. Navy's submarine fleet. Each episode is a stand-alone tale of the actions of a particular submarine. Most of the stories are about actions against the Japanese Navy and merchant fleet in the Pacific. There is also the odd tale from the Korean conflict. The series ran for 78 episodes during 1957 and 1958. The stories were all based on actual events. Some pretty good attention to detail here with the U.S Navy allowing filming on several WW 2 era Gato class subs.

Each episode started and ended with retired Real Admiral Thomas M. Dykers giving a breakdown of the action. Dykers became a writer, producer and technical adviser after leaving the service. He worked on films such as, TORPEDO ALLEY, FLAT TOP, THE FROGMEN, HELL AND HIGH WATER and SUBMARINE COMMAND.

This episode is about the "Sculpin". It is November 1943 and the "Sculpin" is sent on a patrol off the big Japanese naval base at Truk. The Marines are landing at Tarawa and the "Sculpin" is assigned to intercept any Japanese naval units sent out in reply to the invasion.

Besides the combat patrol, the "Scuplin's" Captain, Liam Sullivan, is transporting an important officer. On board is the officer commanding all the submarines in the area, Harry Lauter. Lauter is using the submarine has his headquarters boat.

The "Sculpin" arrives outside the Japanese base and starts looking for targets. She spots a Japanese convoy leave the lagoon and moves in for an attack. She is however spotted before she can launch torpedoes. It is a crash dive followed by a fierce bout of depth charges. The submarine sustains damage and stays down till night.

That night, the submarine surfaces to have a look at how bad the damage is. The Japanese though have pulled a fast one, and left a destroyer loitering in the area. Another crash dive is needed followed by another round of depth charges. More damage is received and the hull starts to come apart.

Now the depth meter malfunctions and the "Sculpin" surfaces right in front of the Japanese destroyer. The gun crews rush to their weapons but the destroyer is faster off the mark. The gun crews, as well as Captain Sullivan are killed as the Japanese hit the submarine repeatedly.

The abandon ship is called and the men swarm for the decks. That is all except Commodore Harry Lauter. He decides to stay with the submarine. He has all the invasion plans etc and is afraid he might spill under Japanese torture. Needless to say he goes down with the ship.

The survivors were picked up by the Japanese and taken to Truk. Half of the 40 survivors were sent to Japan on the escort carrier Chuyo. The ship though never makes it, as it is torpedoed and sunk by another U.S. submarine with only one American surviving. The other 20 "Sculpin" crewman were on another ship that made Japan. They spend the rest of the war as forced labour in a copper mine.

After the war, when the story of the submarine came to light. The real officer, John Cromwell, who went down with the submarine, was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.

Re: War Tv THE SILENT SERVICE "The U.S.S. Sculpin Story" 1957

The Silent Service (1957) - The U.S.S. Sculpin Story (1957)

Really enjoying these Gord

The Spikeopath - Hospital Number 217

COMMANDOS STRIKE AT DAWN 1942

CONTAINS SPOILERS

COMMANDOS STRIKE AT DAWN 1942

This one is a John Farrow directed flag-waver put out by Columbia Pictures in 1942. It deals with a group of Norwegian civilians who decide to fight back against the German occupiers. Headlining the cast is Paul Muni with support from Anna Lee, Lillian Gish, Cedric Hardwicke, Rod Cameron, Alexander Knox, Jean Louis Heydt, George Macready, Ray Collins and Robert Coote.

Norway has fallen to the invading Nazis and a small fishing village on the coast has been occupied by a battalion of Germans. The German's are under the command of Art Margetson and Alexander Knox. The two are perfect Nazi swine who have no problem shooting civilians for the slightest reason.

The locals soon grow tired of this, and decide to throw a monkey wrench into the German's operations. A bit of sabotage here, a train derailed there, a fuel dump destroyed etc soon has the Nazis angry as hornets. Hostages are taken and several locals are soon placed in front of that old standard, the firing squad.

There is also a Quisling among the villagers. Jean Louis Heydt passes info to the German Captain, Knox. The swine is discovered and meets a watery grave as several of the townsfolk decide to sail to England. They are picked up by a British submarine and delivered to England.

As it so happens, Muni knows an Admiral in the Royal Navy, Cedric Hardwicke. He tells Hardwicke about the German's building a secret airfield near the village. The Navy quickly lays on a Commando raid in order to destroy the base. Muni leads a shallow draft Navy ship to the site. The Commandos launch a swift assault catching the German types with their drawers down.

After disposing of the airfield Nazis, the Commandos storm the village and knock off Knox and the rest of the Huns. The villagers are then loaded up on the ship and the whole group sets out back to England. Muni however buys the big one leading a charge on a German machine gun. The slam bang ending helps to make up for the rather slow pace of the early parts.

Director John Farrow also helmed the wartime films, WAKE ISLAND and CHINA. His other work includes, FIVE CAME BACK, CALCUTTA, THE BIG CLOCK, NIGHT HAS 1000 EYES, ALIAS NICK BEAL, WHERE DANGER LIVES, JOHN PAUL JONES, HONDO, THE SEA CHASE and PLUNDER OF THE SUN.

The d of p was 4 time Oscar nominated and 2 time winner, William Mellor. His film work includes, A PLACE IN THE SUN, GIANT, TOO LATE FOR TEARS, WESTWARD THE WOMEN, THE UNKNOWN MAN, MY FAVORITE BLONDE, THE NAKED SPUR and THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK.

The screenplay was by Irwin Shaw based on a story from C.S. Forester. Forester of course wrote the H. Hornblower series of novels, as well as THE African QUEEN.

Look close and you can see Lloyd Bridges in an unbilled bit as a German soldier.

The production was made on Vancouver Island in the province of British Columbia, Canada. The inlets and such stood in quite well for the Norwegian fjords.

On a personal note, I had an uncle who was a crewman on the armed merchant ship that was used in the film.

Re: COMMANDOS STRIKE AT DAWN 1942

Commandos Strike at Dawn (1942)

What a superb cast and production crew! Bit of family interest in there as well fella.

Good rating on site for a little seen pic.



The Spikeopath - Hospital Number 217

Re: What War films have you seen? Jan/Feb/Mar/Apr - 2016 Edition.

Lone Survivor
American Sniper
Sink the Bismarck
The Enemy Below
Glory
Gettysburg

I'm sure there are others I have forgotten to post. :)

Re: What War films have you seen? Jan/Feb/Mar/Apr - 2016 Edition.

Nice picks.

Glory is a personal favourite!.

Not seen Lone Survivor & American Sniper. Any good?

The Spikeopath - Hospital Number 217

Re: Glory is a personal favourite!.

Liked American Sniper. I thought Lone Survivor was rather lame. Other than his bit in 2007's, SHOOTER, I am not a fan of Mark Wahlberg.

Beasts of No Nation (2015)

10/10

** This review may contain spoilers ***

With a poll being held on IMDb's Classic Film board for the best titles of 2015,I started to search round for movies to view from the year.Reading a number of posts on the board,I noticed a fellow IMDber mention that Netflix first film production was by the director of True Detective's first season,which led to me getting ready to visit the no nation.

The plot:

Learning that an unfolding civil war is about to reach their "buffer zone" town,Agu's dad pays traffickers to take his wife and two youngest children as far away from the place as possible.Getting surrounded by the war lords,Agu's family tell him to run away as they are ruthlessly murdered.Running for his life,Agu ends up crossing paths with a gang of adult and child soldiers led by a Commandant.Seeing a soldier in Agu,the Commandant and soldiers begin to destroy Agu's childhood.

View on the film:

Filmed in 35 days on location in Ghana,cinematographer/writer/director Cary Joji Fukunaga gives the battle scenes an eerie ,haunted atmosphere,as the vast miles of jungle are clouded in a stench of death.Taking care to not draw attention away from the unfolding events, composer Dan Romer delivers a delicate,jagged score which brings out the ghostly mood underlying the battle scenes.

Keeping close to Agu, Fukunaga allows the viewer to experience everything that Agu is facing by brilliantly keeping the camera at Agu's height,which gives the looking-down warlords an intimidating appearance,and also makes Agu look like a small spec against the unfolding chaos.Following every attack that the war lords make, Fukunaga uses complex,brilliantly stylised tracking shots to place the audience in the middle of the shattered society,as the camera flows from prisoners being killed,to the child soldiers destroying a family home.

Working with former child soldiers and ex-mercenaries of the Sierra Leone and Liberian Civil War, Fukunaga displays the violence with an unflinching eye,as harrowing scenes featuring beheadings and point blank shootings land with a horrific force.For the spilling of blood in the film, Fukunaga makes sure that the violence never becomes excessive,with each act of violence committed by the mercenaries taking away the humanity left in Agu and the other child soldiers.

Spending 7 years researching the Sierra Leone Civil War, Fukunaga adaptation of Uzodinma Iweala's novel superbly captures the fractured personalities of the soldiers and the civilians,thanks to each brittle exchange lingering on the edge of a inhumane act taking place without a moments notice.Focusing on Agu, Fukunaga lingers on Agu's routine family life for the opening beats,which leads to the later unrelenting destruction of Abu's childhood innocence being expressed with a swift intensity.

Swaggering across the screen, Idris Elba gives a chilling performance as a war lord Commandant,whose face offers no hint of remorse,and Elba injecting his Commandant with the belief that his goal is on the horizon.Making his debut, Abraham Attah gives an incredible performance as Agu,thanks to Attah getting under the skin of Agu's loss of childhood and also gradually opening up Agu's complicated relationship with the Commandant,as they find themselves in a nation with no beasts.

Re: Beasts of No Nation (2015)

New title on me. Thanks for the heads up MDF! On the list it goes. Tick has been applied.

Re: Beasts of No Nation (2015)

Beasts of No Nation (2015)

Great review fella, I defo will have to see this. You have sold the heavy duty of it all brilliantly.




The Spikeopath - Hospital Number 217

Re: Beasts of No Nation (2015)

Thanks Spike,and after the Oscar snub over it being from Netflix,it was great to see Idris Elba (who should have got the Oscar nom instead of Redmayne) win at SAG for his utterly chilling performance:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2xb9Ty-1frw

WAR TV "The U.S.S. Spearfish Delivers" 1957

CONTAINS SPOLIERS

THE SILENT SERVICE "The U.S.S. Spearfish Delivers" 1957

This is the fifth episode of the U.S. war series, "The Silent Service". The series was about the exploits of the U.S. Navy's submarine fleet. Each episode is a stand-alone tale of the actions of a particular submarine. Most of the stories are about actions against the Japanese Navy and merchant fleet in the Pacific. There is also the odd tale from the Korean conflict. The series ran for 78 episodes during 1957 and 1958. The stories were all based on actual events. Some pretty good attention to detail here with the U.S Navy allowing filming on several WW 2 era Gato class subs.

Each episode started and ended with retired Real Admiral Thomas M. Dykers giving a breakdown of the action. Dykers became a writer, producer and technical adviser after leaving the service. He worked on films such as, TORPEDO ALLEY, FLAT TOP, THE FROGMEN, HELL AND HIGH WATER and SUBMARINE COMMAND.

This episode is about the "Spearfish". It is May 1942 and the "Spearfish" is ordered into Manila Bay. The submarine is to take on board several Army officers and a dozen Army nurses. They are all to be transferred to Australia.

By this time in the battle, the only American's holding out are on the fortress island of Corregidor. The "Spearfish" dodges Japanese patrol boats and picks up their human cargo. It is then a dangerous trip back to the sea through the minefields. Corregidor falls the next day.

The ever present Japanese force the "Spearfish" to run submerged longer than normal. Many systems are shut down to save battery power for movement. The crew suffer big time with the foul air as the air cleaners are also shut off. Each night the sub chances a trip to the surface for a recharge session.

After dodging a few more Japanese escort vessels the "Spearfish" makes it to safety at Fremantle, Australia.

The cast is made up of DeForest (Star Trek) Kelly, John (Robert's brother) Mitchum and Kurt Russell's father, Bing Russell. Peggy Stewart plays the main female lead.

The "Spearfish" survived the war after carrying out 12 patrols. They sank 8-9 ships and damaged several others. The "Spearfish" was decommissioned in 1946 and scrapped the following year.

Re: WAR TV "The U.S.S. Spearfish Delivers" 1957

The Silent Service (1957) - The U.S.S. Spearfish Delivers (1957)

Indebted as usual mate, thank you.

The Spikeopath - Hospital Number 217

THE MOON IS DOWN 1943 More Norway vs the Germans

On a underground vs the Nazi kick of late. This is another one from the Nazis vs Norway group of films.

CONTAINS SPOILERS


THE MOON IS DOWN 1943

This is one of a number of films dealing with the German occupation of Norway during World War Two. This one is from a screenplay by Nunnally Johnson taken from the book by John Steinbeck.

A small town in the north of Norway is taken over by a group of German soldiers with the help of some para-troops. The local Norwegian Militia is quickly wiped out and the German forces occupy the town. The Germans want the town's iron mine for their own use.

The German commander, Cedric Hardwicke, would like things to go smooth with the locals. If they stay in line, and give the Nazis no problems, they will be treated fairly. Hardwicke also lets the local town leaders, Henry Travers and Lee J Cobb know that he can be nasty if provoked.

There is soon some unpleasant rumblings coming from the locals forced to work long shifts at the mine. When a German Officer is killed, the firing squad is soon at work making examples of those responsible. This of course just heats up the anger of the locals towards their occupiers. There are also several attempts on the local Quisling leader, E.J. Ballantine.

Soon the mayor, Travers and other town leaders are rounded up as hostages. The R.A.F. comes a calling one night and blows the hell out of the mine. This sets the German's production goals back by several months. Soon the British are dropping containers of explosives and weapons to aid the resistance.

Even though the Nazis execute the hostages, the resistance continues to fight on. They manage to destroy most of the mine and its works in a massive act of sabotage.

This production is different than most of "resistance" type flag wavers of the era. The German's are not all played as heartless baboons. Some are just men doing their bit for country and home. They would rather be anywhere but fighting in a war.

Cedric Hardwicke is quite good here as the German Commander, as is Henry Travers as the town's mayor.

Look quick at the start and you will catch film noir regulars, Jeff Corey and Charles McGraw in small unbilled roles. Future "Hogan's Heroes" regular, John "Sgt Schultz" Banner also has a small role as a German Officer. A six year old Natalie Wood appears as well.

The film is directed by Irving Pichel. Pichel is best known as the director of, SHE, THE MOST DANGEROUS GAME, DESTINATION MOON, O.S.S., SANTA FE and the noir, QUICKSAND, WITHOUT HONOR and THEY WON'T BELIEVE ME.

The look of the film is quite sharp with 7 time Oscar nominated, and 3 time winner, Art Miller at the d of p controls. Miller would know the sets very well, as they were the same ones he shot his Oscar winner, HOW GREEN MY VALLEY on in 1941.

Re: THE MOON IS DOWN 1943 More Norway vs the Germans

The Moon Is Down (1943)

Some super tech credits in this one. Under seen, sadly.

The Spikeopath - Hospital Number 217

Re: What War films have you seen? Jan/Feb/Mar/Apr - 2016 Edition.

Here's a wee heads-up for UK Freeviewers.

None Shall Escape - 1944

I caught the last half an hour or so of this the other night. Notable aspects that I picked up are...


...naturally, the pre-empting of the war crime trials at Nuremberg / One of the most overt depictions of the holocaust as it was happening that I can think of / The only depiction I can think of during the Hays Office period of a person being gunned down at point blank range with the gun and the victim in the same shot - remarkably similar to the stage direction seen in some of the liquidation scenes in Schindler's list made fifty years later.

You can see catch it on Film4 this Sunday 31/1 in the morning. I will

http://www.viewfilm.net/title/none-shall-escape-1944

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0037136/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

"I don't need to believe it's real. I just need to believe it."

Re: What War films have you seen? Jan/Feb/Mar/Apr - 2016 Edition.

Incidentally

Here is a list of War/Military films on Freeview this coming week and a little beyond.

http://www.viewfilm.net/category/military-war-dramas

"I don't need to believe it's real. I just need to believe it."

Re: What War films have you seen? Jan/Feb/Mar/Apr - 2016 Edition.

Hiya GB

Thanks for doing these posts. I do subscribe to a weekly magazine so I can keep an eye out on the freeview movies. A lot do get repeated but as you well know there's a whole bunch of little seen titles that crop up. Not many have good prints if they come on movies4men though I must have about 50 war films recorded on my freeview recorders now so I need to sift through them and see what are watchable.

Please drop in again and let us know if you watch a good one.

The Spikeopath - Hospital Number 217

Re: What War films have you seen? Jan/Feb/Mar/Apr - 2016 Edition.

How about None Shall Escape?

I tend to judge the worthiness of movies4men's prints based on whether I have access to the movie on any other format. If I don't then the print is just fine, in my book.

"I don't need to believe it's real. I just need to believe it."

Kelly's Heroes (1970) - Where Eagles Dare (1968)

Kelly's Heroes (1970)


Crazy! I mean like so many positive waves maybe we can't lose! You're on!

Brian G. Hutton followed the considerable success he had had with 1968's Where Eagles Dare, with this, another men on a mission movie - only this one is very much a different animal. Hutton directs and Troy Kennedy-Martin writes the screenplay, it stars Clint Eastwood, Telly Savalas, Donald Sutherland and Don Rickles. Music is by Lalo Schifrin and cinematography is by Gabriel Figueroa.

When it comes to light that there is a considerable stash of Nazi gold waiting to be plundered behind enemy lines in occupied France, a group of maverick U.S. soldiers set off on a deadly mission to locate and gain...

Utterly wonderful. Kelly's Heroes mixes together war movie action staples with black comedy gold, the greed and insanity of war having its cheek poked by a sharp and bloody tongue. The script is clever, often very funny, often poignant and poised, and it's this that lets a great cast have a ball. You have the straight laced delivery of Eastwood playing against Savalas' macho rage, and Rickles' jumping- bean turn jostling with Sutherland's pre-hippy malarkey. Character names range from the likes of Oddball, Crapgame, Big Joe, Little Joe and Cowboy, a rogue group of soldiers deciding they want to grab something for themselves.

The journey to find the gold is of course far from straight forward, with Hutton constructing some white hot action scenes. And it's here where it often gets forgotten that Kelly's Heroes does not forget the blood shed during war. People do die, it's not all fun and frolics, and Hutton knows his way around great suspense passages. Witness the brilliant minefield sequence and the ticking clock finale where we are never sure if any of the men will achieve their goal. So laugh while you ponder, then? Absolutely. Kelly's Heroes is caper and chaos, beef and brawn, but always cunning and crafty as well. 9/10


Where Eagles Dare (1968)


Major, right now you got me about as confused as I ever hope to be.

Directed by Brian G. Hutton and adapted to the screen from his own novel by Alistair MacLean, Where Eagles Dare stars Richard Burton and Clint Eastwood. Music is scored by Ron Goodwin and cinematography is by Arthur Ibbetson.

A small group of allied agents are sent on a mission to rescue a Allied General from a Nazi castle stronghold. But there is more than what meets the eye here...

Boys own men on a mission in grandiose strokes, MacLean's complex story makes for riveting and exciting entertainment. The story twists and turns like a Python, so full attention to conversational details is very much required, yet it's the fun and kinetic action that hold the most attention. There are stunts galore amongst the Austrian Alps (beautifully photographed by Ibbetson), and as the espionage hokum reaches its crescendo status, so does the explosions, with the makers wasting no opportunity to blow everything up. Burton is classy and enjoying himself, Eastwood laconic and cool, while good support comes from Mary Ure, Patrick Wymark, Michael Hordern and Donald Houston. The running time is a touch too long as MacLean's prose is given weighty treatment for extended chatter, and some back projection work feels unnecessarily cheap, but this is good old machismo fuelled classic cinema regardless. 9/10


The Spikeopath - Hospital Number 217

Re: Kelly's Heroes (1970) - Where Eagles Dare (1968)

Ticks have been applied to both. I agree wholeheartedly with your comments about WHERE EAGLES DARE and KELLY'S HEROES.

Back in 1992 I had beers several times with Stuart Margolin at my local pub. He was in town directing the pilot episode for the Canadian series, NORTH OF 60. We chatted about working with James Garner, Eastwood in KELLY'S HEROES, Bronson, Jack Warden etc. Pretty witty guy and a great storyteller. Ran into Margolin again at the same bar in 2002 when he was back in town acting in, and directing the Detective series, TOM STONE. He was playing the same type of con-man loser as in ROCKFORD FILES.

He does quite a lot of work in Canada and has been nominated for 4 GEMINI AWARDS. GEMINI are sort of the Canadian version of the Oscars or Bafta awards.

My local, "BOTTLESCREW BILLS", is quite popular with the acting, entertainment crowd.

Re: Kelly's Heroes (1970) - Where Eagles Dare (1968)

"Angel" Stuart Margolin in rockford Files...just talking about him and that elsewhere last week..

Re: Kelly's Heroes (1970) - Where Eagles Dare (1968)

Neat guy. Had some good stories.

War TV : THE SILENT SERVICE "The U.S.S. Bergall's Dilemma" 1957

CONTAINS SPOILERS

THE SILENT SERVICE "The U.S.S. Bergall's Dilemma" 1957

This is the sixth episode of the U.S. war series, "The Silent Service". The series was about the exploits of the U.S. Navy's submarine fleet. Each episode is a stand-alone tale of the actions of a particular submarine. Most of the stories are about actions against the Japanese Navy and merchant fleet in the Pacific. There is also the odd tale from the Korean conflict. The series ran for 78 episodes during 1957 and 1958. The stories were all based on actual events. Some pretty good attention to detail here with the U.S Navy allowing filming on several WW 2 era Gato class subs.

Each episode started and ended with retired Real Admiral Thomas M. Dykers giving a breakdown of the action. Dykers became a writer, producer and technical adviser after leaving the service. He worked on films such as, TORPEDO ALLEY, FLAT TOP, THE FROGMEN, HELL AND HIGH WATER and SUBMARINE COMMAND.

This episode is about the "Bergall". It is early December 1944 and the "Bergall" is heading towards the Gulf of Siam. Their mission is to lay mines off the coast and then look for targets of opportunity. To get to their patrol area, they need to sneak through a strait with a particularly heavy Japanese presence.

The "Bergall" sneaks through and heads for their patrol area. They run into the Japanese heavy cruiser (Myoko) and an escorting destroyer. The "Bergall" decides to take them out. They wait till night and then make a surface torpedo attack. They damage both ships, but they sustain damage from return fire of the cruiser. An 8 inch hole is drilled through the subs side just a couple of feet above the waterline. The sub speeds into the night and out of the area.

With the damage received, there is no way the "Bergall" can dive if it needs to. They send off a message to headquarters explaining their problem. As it so happens, there is another American sub, the "Angler" in the area. The 'Bergall" transfers most of the crew to the other pigboat. The Captain, Paul, Dubov and several other officers, Tod Griffin, Hal Baylor and a skeleton crew decide to run the risk of running into any Japanese patrols, and head back to Australia.

The first 4 days go well, but on the fifth night they run into a trio of Japanese sub chasers. Using their own radar, the "Bergall" plays a game of cat and mouse with the Japanese. They pull a fast one on their pursuers and hotfoot it out of the area.

The "Bergall" sank a total of 14,700 tons of Japanese shipping during the war. The submarine was transferred to the Turkish Navy in 1958. She served in the Turkish Navy until 1983 before being scrapped in 2000.

Re: War TV : THE SILENT SERVICE "The U.S.S. Bergall's Dilemma" 1957

The Silent Service (1957) - The U.S.S. Bergall's Dilemma (1957)

Great stuff chap

The Spikeopath - Hospital Number 217

HELL IS FOR HEROES 1962

CONTAINS SPOILERS

HELL IS FOR HEROES 1962

This better than expected war film, is set during the fall of 1944 on the border between France and Germany. The cast is headlined by, Steve McQueen with support from Fess Parker, Bobby Darin, Harry Guardino, Nick Adams, James Coburn, Joe Hoover and Mike Kellin.

An understrength platoon of American infantry, have been assigned to hold a just captured section of the "Siegfried Line". Most of the unit has been moved further up the line because of reports of a possible German counter-attack. The men are spread out with gaps here and there in the lines. They need to make the German on the other side of the valley believe that the American position is being held in strength.

They rig up a jeep to sound like heavy trucks arriving, as well as setting up devices to make the German think there are patrols out in the brush. The Germans are not really fooled and send out a large patrol of their own. They rush the Americans who just barely fight off the Nazis. The jig looks like it is up. Now they need to hold on till the rest of their Company returns.

They manage to hold on till the rest of the unit arrives and then join in on the attack on the German lines. In the middle of the German position is a big concrete pillbox. The blockhouse is spitting plenty of lead and knocking down the American infantry like bowling pins. It takes a mortally wounded Steve McQueen to silence the German pillbox, when he blows it, and himself, to hell with a satchel charge. The attack then continues with most of the squad being killed.

Fess Parker plays the Sgt in charge of the platoon with Harry Guardino next in charge. Bobby Darin, James Coburn and Mike Kellin are soldiers in the squad. Nick Adams plays a Polish refuge who has attached himself to the group. McQueen is quite good here as the ex Sgt who has a slight over fondness for drink. It is always getting him in trouble when off the line. Funny man, Bob Newhart makes his screen debut as a lost rear area private who gets drafted into the unit.

The director here is Don Siegel. Siegel started off in the 30's as a second unit editor and director. He moved his way up the ladder and into the director's chair by 1946. He is best known for several excellent film noir, such as, THE VERDICT, THE BIG STEAL, PRIVATE HELL 36, RIOT IN CELL BLOCK 11, THE LINEUP and the brilliant, INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS. His later work included, DIRTY HARRY, CHARLIE VARRICK, COOGAN'S BLUFF, TWO MULES FOR SISTER SARA and John Wayne's last film, THE SHOOTIST.

One time Oscar nominated Harold Lipstein handled the cinematography duties.

The story was by two time Oscar nominated (Go for Broke) and one time winner, (Battleground) Robert Pirosh. Pirosh, a former Sgt in the US Army worked as screenwriter, producer and director from 1935 to 1981.

Pirosh was hired at first to also direct and produce the film, but he walked away after trouble with McQueen. There was apparently plenty of bad feelings on the production. McQueen was upset over his fee and was less than friendly with his fellow cast mates and crew. The film's producers, Paramount Pictures, cut the production budget during filming resulting in director Siegel having to cut corners.

Despite all the problems etc, Siegel manages to deliver a first rate combat film that is well worth a watch.
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